If you are a computer scientist or simply want to write any content, you need to know how to use superscript and subscript in Google Docs. The latter is known for its fairly easy-to-use interface, which is why it has become so popular.
After reading this article, you will know more about superscripts and subscripts, and you will be able to find a more comfortable way to use them.
First of all, you need to understand what a superscript and a subscript are. Superscript (from the Latin word ‘super’ means ‘above’), stands for a smaller row of characters that is just above the main text line and is often linked to the main word/digit/symbol in the line. You might see it not only in scientific articles but on a regular context basis such as calendar dates like 1st of July etc. The opposite is with a subscript that is at the bottom of a line.
How to add superscript in Google Docs
It is very important to know how to use superscripts and subscripts, because they can often be an important element in the text, for example, to indicate a trade mark™ or copyright© in the right place. The easiest way that allows you to type an entire text is to:
- Select the part of text or a single character you want to make as a superscript/subscript
- Then go to upper menu and choose Format
- You will see the fisrt line named Text and click on it
- There will be a window on the right side that contains a list of options but you only need two of them – its superscript or subscript
- Click on the desired option and your highlighted text will change its apperance.
How to add special characters in Google Docs
So if you are targeting to find a special symbol or you are not sure what you want specifically, there is an option for such cases:
- Place your cursor where you want to drop a special character
- Go to the menu bar and choose Insert
- Select Special Characters
- The pop-up window will provide you a dozen of characters and to find the right one use search bar
How to add superscript and subscript with keyboard shortcuts
Sometimes you have to use subscripts and superscripts frequently while you are working on a document. The best way to do this is to use keyboard shortcuts. Google Docs has provided this option for three platforms – Windows, Apple, and Google OS.
So to use keyboard shortcuts on Windows, Google OC, or Apple:
- Hold Ctrl + / at the same time, and if you are the owner of Apple press ⌘ + /
- Select Text formatting on the poped-up window
- On the list you will find Subscript and Superscript lines with their schortcuts
- Then select desired characters and use mentioned keyboard shortcuts
Note: If it doesn’t work you then should update your keyboard drivers
From all the information you have read, you can choose any of the subscript and superscript options available to you. This is where Google Docs is convenient because it already has a user-friendly interface and offers a variety of options for achieving the same goals. Choose the one you are comfortable with and enjoy your work!
